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#1224. The Kingdom is in your midst (5/2/25)

Writer's picture: Matt BeaneyMatt Beaney

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (Posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday) as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series. 


From Luke 17:20-21, let’s reflect on what it means for the Kingdom of God to be in our midst. 


You can listen to this devotional below (It’s also available on Spotify on the Community Church Putney podcast) 


Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed,  nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”’ (Luke 17:20-21)

Jesus wants us to have a correct  view of The Kingdom

Jesus, in response to being questioned about God’s Kingdom coming, responds by telling them that, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”’ The religious leaders were expecting a David-like or Joshua-like figure to come and restore them to the Land, and restore the Kingdom in that sense. However, Jesus corrects them of this view. Like them, Christians need to have a correct mindset when it comes to God’s Kingdom. 


The Kingdom of God is not defined by geography.

As seen in Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman, He challenges the prevailing understanding of how God works in this 'Last Days' era. In John 4:21-24, Jesus explains that worship is no longer tied to a specific location, such as the Jerusalem temple. Instead, true worship happens "in spirit and in truth," transcending physical boundaries and becoming accessible to all nations.

Similarly, those questioning Jesus in today’s reading needed their geographically centred perspective corrected. To Pilate, Jesus said, ‘“My kingdom is not of this world.”’ (John 18:36). The Kingdom is no longer confined to Israel or centred on Jerusalem as the hub of worship. It is now spread across the earth, present wherever people acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Thus, no one can say, “Here it is!” or “There it is!” because, as Jesus said, "the kingdom of God is in your midst." The King and Kingdom are wherever the saints are! 


The Kingdom is in your midst

In the context, firstly, Jesus is revealing Himself as their King and Messiah. Jesus wants them to know that He, Their King is present with them and the Kingdom is also among them. Here, Jesus is challenging the Jews of His day to receive Him before they are overtaken by judgement. 


Secondly, in applying this to ourselves, Jesus wants us to grasp that to enter the Kingdom, one must receive the King - receive Jesus. When we are ‘born again’, we are made citizens of the Kingdom of God. Wherever we are, The King is with us and is in us - in our midst! Christians, whilst living in this world, are also dwelling in the Kingdom right now. We are told: 


‘And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.’ (Ephesians 2:6)

This means that wherever we go, we bring the presence of the King and Kingdom. People are to be affected by the presence and values of The Kingdom. Like an ambassador expresses the values of their nation, whom they represent, so we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, expressing the values of our King (see 2 Cor. 5:20). 


The Kingdom is in our midst! The Kingdom of God is not merely a future hope; it is a present reality. Because the King is with us, we can confidently say, "The Kingdom of God is in our midst." His presence empowers us, allowing us to experience the joy and strength that come from walking with Him. Wherever we go, we carry the King and His Kingdom with us, bringing His transformative presence into the lives of others.


Let’s pray together as we finish

“Lord Jesus, teach me about your Kingdom. Teach me what it means for you and your Kingdom to be in our midst.’ Help me walk in your presence and live out the values of your Kingdom. Amen.” 

 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 



2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 


3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.


4. Study and pray together

On Sunday, in our message from Luke 17:20-37, we reflected on what the Kingdom is, how it’s already present, and how the Kingdom will come in its fullness. 


Please read Luke Luke 17:20-37 and discuss: 

  • Did God speak to you about anything from Sunday’s message that would encourage others? 

  • What does it mean for you to be "prepared" for the return of Christ?

  • How can you cultivate a greater sense of urgency in your spiritual life?

  • What specific steps can you take today to live more intentionally in light of the return of Christ?

  • How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence and guidance in your daily life?

  • What areas of your life need to be surrendered to God's will?

  • How can you use your time and resources to further the Kingdom of God?

  • SIV - Do we have any stories of how we have ‘Served, Invested, and inVited’ recently?

  • SIV - Spend some time together talking and praying about who and how you are seeking to bring your community to Jesus; alternatively, pray for the ‘people of peace’ that you regularly meet with. 

  • Let’s pray together: Pray for one another out of our study together and for anything else for which people would like prayer. 






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